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Rookie pitcher does it all in Mets’ victory

AP Photo/David Kohl — Mets starter Matt Harvey throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning Thursday in Cincinnati.

Posted: Aug. 16, 2012 11:05 pm Updated: Aug. 20, 2012 11:05 pm

CINCINNATI (AP) — Rookie Matt Harvey drove in one more run than he allowed in the longest outing of his short major league career, and the Mets snapped the Cincinnati Reds' five-game winning streak with an 8-4 victory on Thursday night.

Harvey (2-3), who had lost three straight starts after winning in his major league debut, allowed one run and four hits in 72⁄3 innings. He struck out eight, walked one and hit a batter. Harvey also doubled in two runs in New York's three-run fourth inning.

Ike Davis and Jason Bay hit solo home runs for the Mets, who capitalized on three errors and avoided a three-game sweep. New York hasn't been swept in Cincinnati since 2005.

The Reds, who entered with a season-high, seven-game lead in the NL Central, had it cut to six over Pittsburgh.

Jon Rauch came on in relief of struggling Mets closer Frank Francisco and struck out pinch-hitter Wilson Valdez to end the game for his third save. Francisco allowed three runs and four hits, and got only two outs in his second straight rough outing.

The Mets took the lead in the fourth inning, scoring three times after managing a total of one run in their opening two losses to the Reds in the series.

Davis snapped the scoreless tie with his team-leading 21st homer of the season and first since July 28 at Arizona. The leadoff shot, which traveled 421 feet into the right-center field seats, was hit off Cincinnati starter Homer Bailey.

Two outs later, Bay hit a grounder up the middle that second baseman Brandon Phillips backhanded and threw over Todd Frazier's head at first base for an infield hit and a throwing error. Kelly Shoppach, making his first appearance with the Mets, was intentionally walked to get to Harvey. The big right-hander then hit a two-run double to deep left-center field that produced his first career RBI.

NOTES: Mets 3B David Wright needs one home run to become the third player to hit 200 with New York. Wright hasn't homered since July 27 at Arizona.